News
21 Chinese Firms To Invest In Rivers
L-R: Vice-Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, Mr Abiodun Adeseye, representative of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Mrs Anike Adekanye and Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, at the handover of N15 million solar-powered borehole projects executed by Rep. Gbajabiamila in Lagos last Monday.
Twenty-one Chinese companies have indicated interest in the development of potentials in oil and gas sector in Rivers State.
Reacting to the development, Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State described the action of the Chinese companies as a welcome development that would benefit Rivers State, Nigeria and China as they partner for mutual benefit.
Governor Amaechi, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Energy, Hon Okey Amadi at a one-day summit organised by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) in Port Harcourt last Wednesday for Chinese vendors and Nigeria suppliers, noted that China as one of the fastest growing economies in the world, has a lot to benefit in exploiting the abundant oil and gas resources in the state and Nigeria.
“We are happy because the state government, SPDC, Nigerian businessmen and Chinese investors have a lot to benefit from this partnership,” he said, noting that it is a collaboration that would provide employment opportunities to the people as well as fasten Nigeria’s industrialisation initiative.
He stated that Rivers State has become one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, and assured foreign investors of security and conducive business atmosphere, just as he also promised to provide land for construction of plants to facilitate technology transfer.
Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mutiu Sunmonu, said the summit was one of SPDC’s numerous events designed to stimulate Nigerian manufacturing industrial base in support of the oil and gas industry through vendor/supplier development.
The MD restated that as Nigeria’s first oil and gas company, SPDC has a long and continuing commitment to Nigeria.
“In addition to helping the country unlock its energy resources, one of the best ways we have delivered on that commitment is to increase the participation and capability of Nigerian companies and individuals in our supply chain operations”, Sunmonu said
Sunmonu remarked that the summit was particularly aimed at stimulating the development of mutually beneficial partnerships between Chinese suppliers and Nigerian vendors to produce and build greater in-country manufacturing capacity.
Describing the theme of the summit, “ Stimulating Oil and Gas Value Chain Through Partnership and Collaboration,” as apt, Sunmonu said in spite of some challenges, Nigeria remains the investment destination of choice in Africa, and urged the Chinese investors to see the enormous offshore investment potentials, support and incentives available in Nigeria.
The summit attracted over 21 foreign investors, 300 Nigerians companies in the areas of pipelines, well engineering, power generation, electric power cables, chemicals and automobiles, to name but a few.
Also in attendance were Nigerian Immigration Services, Nigeria Capital Development Board, Nigeria Export Development Board, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (PHACCIMA), Nigeria Export Promotion Council, amongst other stakeholders.
Highlight of the event was the networking and breakout sessions which provided a broad opportunity of business interactions between the Nigerian businessmen and foreign investors to negotiate and explore business ideas and take-off points.
While one of the Chinese investors, Tom Tang, MD of Kingle Group Ltd views the summit as a wonderful opportunity to explore business potentials, a Nigerian business man, Osiano Enigwana, COE of L. Enigwana and Company said it opens a link between locals and foreigners, and urged its sustenance.
Chris Oluoh
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
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